Buying a home
Data from November 2026
Buying a home in New Hampshire
A typical home in New Hampshire is worth $402,500 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$962,550 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.
Key numbers in New Hampshire
- Typical home
- $402,500
- median value, Average 2020–2024
- 21% more than the U.S.
- FHA limit
- $541,287–$962,550
- one unit, by county
- In 4 of the 10 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
- Conforming limit
- $832,750
- up to $962,550 in high-cost areas
- Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
- Minimum FHA down payment
- $14,088
- 3.5% of a $402,500 home
- VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.
Down payment
How much each loan asks up front
For a $402,500 home, the typical value in New Hampshire. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.
Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.
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FHA Program rule
Minimum down3.5%
In dollars$14,088
Per month$2,631
With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.
HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016
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Conventional Program rule
Minimum down3%
In dollars$12,075
Per month$2,645
3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.
Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024
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VA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,727
For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.
VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020
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USDA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,727
Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.
7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013
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ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.
Loan limits
FHA and conforming limit in every county
FHA sets the limit by area: 4 of the 10 counties in New Hampshire are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.
| Rockingham County | $962,550 | $962,550 | $497,500 | High-cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strafford County | $962,550 | $962,550 | $362,800 | High-cost |
| Hillsborough County | $589,950 | $832,750 | $421,100 | High-cost |
| Carroll County | $546,250 | $832,750 | $388,900 | High-cost |
| Belknap County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $374,900 | National floor |
| Merrimack County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $367,600 | National floor |
| Grafton County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $344,500 | National floor |
| Cheshire County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $280,100 | National floor |
| Sullivan County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $268,700 | National floor |
| Coos County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $188,900 | National floor |
- Rockingham $962,550$962,550
- Strafford $962,550$962,550
- Hillsborough $589,950$832,750
- Carroll $546,250$832,750
- Belknap $541,287$832,750
- Merrimack $541,287$832,750
- Grafton $541,287$832,750
- Cheshire $541,287$832,750
- Sullivan $541,287$832,750
- Coos $541,287$832,750
One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (external site)
Down payment help
New Hampshire programs for buyers
1 verified program that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.
Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.
See all programs-
New Hampshire state agency help of $10,000 for the down payment, closing costs and the escrow account, as a second mortgage with no interest or payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or leave the home; for first-generation buyers, people who were in foster care, or refugees or asylees
- Deferred
What the state publishes
New Hampshire rules that change the math
Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.
Property tax in New HampshireWhen the sale is recorded
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State real estate transfer tax (buyer and seller)
The tax is $0.75 for each $100 (or fraction) of the price, and the law applies that rate to both the buyer and the seller: each pays $0.75 per $100, $1.50 per $100 in all. When the price is $4,000 or less there is a minimum tax of $20. The tax is rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
RSA 78-B:1, I(b); RSA 78-B:4, III · New Hampshire General Court (Revised Statutes Annotated) · Verified October 24, 2026
Your next steps
Where to go next in New Hampshire
What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.
- Run the numbers with your figures
The New Hampshire calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.
- Check whether you qualify for help
Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.
- Talk to a counselor for free
5 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 1 says it serves in Spanish.
- Follow the steps to buy a home
From the budget to the keys, in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I need for a typical home in New Hampshire?
For a $402,500 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $14,088 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $12,075. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.
Are there high-cost counties in New Hampshire?
Yes. In 2026 data, 4 of the 10 counties in New Hampshire have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Rockingham County ($962,550).
What is the conforming loan limit in New Hampshire?
In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit runs from $832,750 to $962,550 depending on the county in New Hampshire: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.
What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in New Hampshire?
With $402,500, the FHA minimum down payment ($14,088) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $2,631 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.
What down payment help is there in New Hampshire?
We have verified 1 state program in New Hampshire that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.